Nigeria observes a mixture of secular national holidays and religious public holidays. Public holidays in Nigeria are gazetted by the Federal Government and apply across all states. Banks, government offices, and most businesses are closed on public holidays, though markets and some private sector businesses may remain open.
Below is the complete official list of all Nigeria public holidays for 2026, with dates, the day of the week, and what each holiday commemorates.
Note: Some Islamic holidays (Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and Maulud Nabiyy) follow the Islamic lunar calendar and exact dates depend on moon sighting. The Nigerian government typically confirms the dates 1–2 days before the holiday. Dates below are the currently expected dates subject to official confirmation.
Marks the beginning of the new calendar year. A public holiday across Nigeria and most of the world.
Marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting. Celebrated by Nigerian Muslims with prayers, feasting and family visits.
Second day of Eid celebration.
Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Observed by Nigerian Christians with church services and fasting.
The Monday after Easter Sunday, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ. A public holiday across Nigeria.
International Workers' Day, celebrating Nigerian workers and the labour movement. Major rallies and events are held across the country by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC).
The Festival of Sacrifice, commemorating Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son. Nigerian Muslims perform the Eid prayer and slaughter animals, sharing the meat with family, neighbours and the less privileged. Exact date subject to moon sighting confirmation.
Second day of Eid al-Adha celebration.
Commemorates the June 12, 1993 presidential election widely regarded as the freest and fairest in Nigerian history, won by MKO Abiola. The date was changed from May 29 by President Buhari in 2018 to honour the legacy of June 12.
Celebrates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). Observed with prayers and processions across northern and other Muslim-majority areas of Nigeria. Exact date subject to moon sighting.
Nigeria's most significant national holiday, marking independence from British rule on 1 October 1960. Celebrated with state parades, flag-raising ceremonies, and presidential address to the nation.
Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. One of the most widely observed holidays in Nigeria, marked by church services, family gatherings, and major spending on food, clothes and gifts. The Christmas period typically sees significant internal migration as Nigerians travel home to their states of origin.
The day after Christmas, inherited from British tradition. A public holiday in Nigeria, typically spent with family, at parties (owambe season peaks now), or travelling.
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Thursday | New Year's Day |
| 18 March | Wednesday | Eid al-Fitr (Day 1) |
| 19 March | Thursday | Eid al-Fitr (Day 2) |
| 3 April | Friday | Good Friday |
| 6 April | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 1 May | Friday | Workers' Day |
| 27 May | Wednesday | Eid al-Adha (Day 1)* |
| 28 May | Thursday | Eid al-Adha (Day 2)* |
| 12 June | Friday | Democracy Day |
| 25 August | Tuesday | Maulud Nabiyy* |
| 1 October | Thursday | Independence Day |
| 25 December | Friday | Christmas Day |
| 26 December | Saturday | Boxing Day |
* Islamic holiday dates are subject to moon sighting and may shift by one day from expected dates. The Federal Government will issue official confirmation.
When a public holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the Federal Government may declare the following Monday as a substitute public holiday. This is not automatic in Nigeria — it requires a specific government gazette notice. Check official announcements closer to the date. For 2026, Boxing Day (26 December) falls on a Saturday, so a substitute holiday on Monday 28 December is possible but must be officially confirmed.
In addition to national public holidays, some Nigerian states observe their own state-level holidays. For example, Lagos State has observed Lagos Day, and several northern states observe additional Islamic holidays. These are in addition to — not instead of — the national holidays listed above. Check with your state government for any additional local holidays.